Mortality refers to the number or rate of deaths that occur in a population. Rates used in this report are per 100,000 residents and are age-adjusted rates (used to provide a basis of comparison for two groups).

The following data were obtained from the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment's Colorado Health Information Database (COHID). CDPHE protects patient confidentiality by limiting access to data when identification is statistically possible. Therefore, in certain circumstances (e.g., racial and ethnic health), data for Larimer County were suppressed and unavailable for analysis.

What this chart shows: General Mortality Rate (per 100,000) in Colorado & Larimer County, 2002-2011

What the above data tell us:

Mortality rates for Larimer County and Coloradodecreased appreciably between 2002 and 2006.This primarily appears to be the result of decreases in deaths due to cardiovascular disease and cancer, the two leading causes of death.

What this chart shows: Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Residents) for Leading Causes of Death in Colorado & Larimer County, 2011

What the above data tell us: In 2011, the leading causes of death in Colorado and Larimer County were heart disease and cancer.

With respect to the remaining leading causes of death, Larimer County had higher mortality rates than Colorado for cerebrovascular diseases (strokes), suicide, and other respiratory diseases. Colorado, however, had higher mortality rates for chronic lower respiratory disease, unintentional injuries (accidents), Alzheimer's disease, influenza and pneumonia and diabetes.

For top ten conditions by gender, see the Men's and Women's Health pages.

What this chart shows: Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Residents) by Gender in Larimer County, 2002-2011

What the above data tell us: The mortality rates for both males and females in Larimer County generally decreased over the last decade. This appears to be part of a nationwide decline in mortality rates for males during this period, primarily due to decreasing rates of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Average mortality rates during this period were higher in males (754.5 per 100,000) than females (556.6 per 100,000).